Emma-Kate Lidbury had to settle for second place in this year’s Ironman 70.3 UK.

The Risinghurst resident went into the race as defending champion, but finished just under three minutes behind Eimear Mullen.

A strong swim in 24mins 17secs saw Lidbury in front of her rivals going into the cycling stage.

However, a slightly below-par display saw her time of 2hrs 58mins 2secs only enough for third spot.

And her 1hr 29mins 14secs run saw her break the five-hour barrier in 4.56.23 for second place.

“The race was always going to be an epic – and it certainly lived up to all expectations,” Lidbury said.

“I was obviously keen to retain my title, but I knew there would be plenty of other girls eager to challenge for the win.

“My race started exactly as I’d hoped – with a strong swim and a good headstart onto the bike course ahead of the girls I thought would be in contention later in the game.

“I’m usually a strong biker, but it was not my strongest bike day and I came into third, about 45 seconds back from the two leading girls.

“In the last two races I’ve done this season I’ve led out of T2 with quite a comfortable buffer, so I suddenly found myself in new territory.

“I never stopped chasing for the win and never stopped being positive the entire time.

“It hurts to have lost, but all credit to Eimear for a fantastic and courageous win.”

She added: “I certainly have plenty more to improve.

“After a little mid-season mini break, I’ll be back at my day job ready to begin a new training block which will conclude at my A race of the year, the 70.3 World Championships in Vegas.”